If you are traveling on Interstate 95 on Sunday or Monday, Virginia State Police will be out in full force for a traffic enforcement initiative.
Operation Diss-rupt will take place along 179 miles of I-95 in Virginia. Appomattox, Chesapeake, Richmond and Salem divisions of VSP will conduct the operation.
State Police will also be doing traffic enforcement on all 300 miles of Interstate 64 in Virginia on Friday and Saturday.
Troopers will focus on distracted driving, impaired driving, speed compliance and seat belt safety.
“This initiative is about encouraging motorists to stay focused and be fully present behind the wheel, especially during the busy holiday season,” said Capt. Ted Jones, Virginia State Police Richmond division commander. “Distracted driving is a preventable risk, and we’re asking drivers to make the safety of themselves and others their top priority.”
As of Dec. 1, 774 people have died in traffic crashes on Virginia roadways this year, according to preliminary data.
The operation’s goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during designated enforcement periods and reduce the total number of crashes on Virginia’s interstates by 10 percent for the calendar year.
Speak with a VSP trooper
On both days, VSP will have recruitment troopers and members of specialized units stationed at rest areas in the area. They will be available to speak with travelers about safe driving and jobs with VSP.
The locations include:
- northbound I-95 rest area at the 108-mile marker (Ladysmith Rest Area)
- northbound I-95 rest area at the 36.8-mile marker in Prince George
Focus of Diss-rupt operation
Operation DISS-rupt focuses on the four key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes:
- Ditch distractions: Virginia is “hands-free,” which prohibits drivers from holding personal communication devices while driving. The use of GPS and phone calls is legal as long as the device is not in the driver’s hands.
- Never drive impaired: Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Virginia. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Always designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a ride-sharing service.
- Comply with speed limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph, so neither should your speed. Speed-related crashes claimed 441 lives in Virginia in 2022.
- Seat belt safety: Virginia law requires all front-seat occupants of motor vehicles to be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old must be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, regardless of their seating position.
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Crystal Graham
